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PBESIDMT  GKANT. 

HIS  OFFICIAL  RECORD 


EXTRACTS  PROM   HIS  ANNUAL  MESSAGED 


by  the  Republican  Congressional  Committee,  Washington,  D.  C.} 


la  pnrsnanc«  of  the  affirmative  policy  which  we  have  marked  oat  for  t&e  coadnct 
<*£  the  ensuing  campaign,  we  propose  to  meet  the  charges  that  the  President  ia  sot 
qualified  for  the  faitfifal  and  acceptable  discharge  of  the  Presidential  ftmctiong,  by 
permitting  him  to  ipeak  for  himself.  We  hare,  therefore,  for  the  convenience  *f 
&e  r?,ad»r,  arranged  his  utterances  in  his  last  thiee  annual  messages  by  topics,  89 
>ihat  fcTery  citizen  may  judge  for  himself  of  the  President's  gtatesmanahip.  Extract*, 
without  regard  to  date,  hare  been  arranged  apou  the  game  topics,  whioh  i»  the 
*ev«rest  teat  to  which  any  political  writer  can  be  gubjected.  So  fiilly  has  the  irobject 
been  thought  through  ;  to  carefully — feeling  the  full  weight  of  official  responsibility—- 
kave  the  words  beea  chcaen,  that  there  is  a  remarkable  aniformity  of  opinion  a&4 
ityle.  We  venture  to  fay  that  the  most,  expert  critic  will  be  unable  to  discern  from 
which  message  a  givsn  scntimsnt  was  taken. 

It  will  be  s«en  that  the  subjects  embraced  are  nuasrous,  comprising  all  concroverta^ 
qacetions — no  coucealmtat  or  evasion  of  issue  harmg  been  attempted.  Thua  oar  po 
litical  foes  are  either  compelled  to  adopt  the  identical  principles  and  doctrines  hereni 
oet  forth,  and  then  there  can  be  no  other  issue  than  one  of  personal  animosity ;  o? 
they  will  be  compelled  to  set  up  views  in  opposition  thereto.  In  either  case  they  wHI 
cot  be  likely  to  meet  with  success.  The  Preridaat  has  endeared  himself  person* 
ftHy  to  the  peoplo  by  his  military  renown  aad  hit  unswerving  integrity ;  while  hit 
political  views  are  so  judicious,  humane,  a&d  progressive  ;  so  eminently  safe  and  eoa« 
,  that  ft  will  roqotr*  unusual  recklMBness  and  impudence  to  attempt  to  refoU 

***  fatette  **#»  c 


.The  only  regret  we  have  is  that  limitation  of  epao*  hat  compelled  na  to  out  dowi 
tie  argument  in  some  instances,  and  to  omit  Ms  views  npon  subordinate  top;ci 
w3»eh,  in  justice  to  their  author,  Ought  to  be  presented.  Imperfect  in  these  respect) 
be  this  essay  is,  it  is  however  amply  sufficient  to  demonstrate  to  all  fair- minded  m*s 
that  President  Grant  is  pre-eminently  wise  and  safe  in  th«  conduct  of  public  affairs' 

THE  PRESIDENT'S  MILHTIBT  RECORD. 

Allusions  to  General  Grant's  military  achievements  seem  to  be  as  distasteful  to  th 
smrepentant  rebels  and  their  allies  as  the  sight  of  water  to  the  victims  of  hydrophobia 
Those  who  did  their  utmost  to  destroy  the  American  nation,  and  who  only  yield  obe 
silence  to  superior  force  to-day,  are  of  course  enraged  at  the  mention  of  the  captur 
of  Vicksburg  and  Richmond,  and  the  surrender  of  Lee ;  while  their  civilian  allie 
contend  that  an  enumeration  of  Grant's  military  achievements  is  taking  an  unfai 
Advantage.    The  former  class  insist  that  Grant  never  was  a  superior  General,  wMll 
the  latter  reluctantly  concede  his  military  success,  but  protest  that  it  has  no  bearing 
upon  a  Presidential  campaign.     We  are  not  disposed  to  concede  this  allegation! 
Grant's  military  achievements  are  part  of  his  history  and  character,  and  if  the  oppo; 
ihioo  have  no  man  of  equal  renown  to  pit  against  him.  it  is  their  misfortune  and  ttist 
our  fault. 

Had  the  rebellion  succeeded  a  continent  would  have  been  split  into  fragment*,  ant 
the  only  great  Republic— the  light  and  hope  of  the  peoples  of  the  world — would  havi 
goa«  down  in  anarchy  and  confusion.  Under  Providence  we  are  indebted  for  nfi 
lionsi  existence  itself  to  General  Grant  and  to  th«  legion  of  brave  men  living  ad 
de&d,  who  either  sacrificed  or  offered  to  sacrifice  their  lives,  which  ia  the  higher 
meaanre  of  devotion  which  men  can  bring  to  the  support  of  a  great  cause. 

Grant's  military  career  has  not  only  reflected  glory  and  renown  npon  our  natioa 
to  can  well  be  interposed  against  the  accusations  of  a  want  of  patriotism  or  general 
ability.  The  history  of  all  nations  has  proved  beyond  successful  contradiction  tbffl 
military  success  in  a  long  struggle,  with  a  million  cf  men  in  the  field,  can  only  b 
achieved  by  men  of  a  high  order  of  intellect.  An  ignorant  man  may  stumble  upoi 
success ;  but  the  strategy  necessary  to  th«  capture  of  Vicksburg,  Richmond,  and  Lee1" 
ttray,  together  with  the  planning  of  the  Sherman  campaign,  tested  the  mental  eapacit; 
and  resources  of  the  Commander-in-Chief  of  our  armies  in  an  unmistakable  mannel 
Justice  to  him  and  to  our  national  character  demands  that  the  glorious  memorial  o 
fch*  mutual  sufferings  and  triumphs  of  the  "Boys  in  BIn«,"  shall  be  revived,  and  tiu 
roll-call  of  the  guard  of  honor  shall  not  be  neglected. 

The  President's  modesty,  which  has  often  induced  him  to  go  to  the  upmost  verjgft 
»f  deserting  Presidential  dignity,  to  avoid  the  appearance  of  arrogance  or  self- 
&m,  ac.d  his  gift  cf  silence  in  a  nation  of  talkers,  have  given  his  personal  and  politi 
•gnemies  a  chance  to  pursue  two  lines  of  argument,  which  they  urge  alternately 
perfect  unconsciousness  of  their  self-contradiction.  At  one  time  he  is  represented 
ft  Sphynx — a  echeming  plotter  in  conjunction  with  an  imaginary  military  ring  for  th* 
iestruotion  of  a  nation's  liberty  ;  a  dangerous  vampire,  who  will  transmute  tht  Ro« 
public  into  an  empire  with  Ulysses  I.  as  Emperor ;  whlia  the  next  day,  perhaps,  h* 
|t  held  up  as  an  ignorant  tool  of  designing  men,  only  fit  to  ta&  horse  and  iznoka 
cigars. 

The  truth  is  h«  te  a  careful,  judicious,  painstaking  man,  exceedingly  anxioot  tt 
discharge  his  duties  faithfully,  and  to  execute  the  legally  expressed  will  of  the  na 
tion.  It  is  true  he  assumed  the  Presidential  duties  with  reluctance 


&xl  from  the  day  of  Ris  fcuragBratioa  he  hao  not  mepely  sought  to  teaan,  but,  •*  Wf 


•hftil  prove,  has  succeeded  in  finding  the  wisest  and  safest  course  of  progreasm 
Statesmanship,     With  this  brief  introductory  we  propose  to  alltw  him  to  spestk  for 

ikasetf. 

IBB  CONSTITUTIONAL  8PHJERE  OF  EXECUTIVE  BUTIES. 

President  Jahnaon,  and  a  number  of  hia  predecessors  based  the  success  of  their  ad* 
»ninistrati«is  upon  a  purely  legislative  basis.  They  held  that  the  Executive  duties 
were  too  insignificant  to  achieve  renown ;  and  therefore  staked  their  success  upon  A 
legislative  poHey.  President  Grant  in  his  inaugural  address  defined  the  proper  con* 
ftstrrtional  sphere  of  the  Executive  power ;  and  he  did  H  so  concisely  and  completely 
that  nothing  caa  be  added  or  omitted  to  advantage.  The  primary  duty  of  the  Prest- 
dent  is  the  faithful  execution  of  all  laws.  Thus  the  Executive  power  is  withtn  k| 
§  jsbere  co-ordinate  with  Congress,  and  can  never  be  made  too  strong,  because  it  repsr^ 
tenta  the  arm  of  the  Government — the  will  of  the  nation  legally  expressed.  Th^ 
power  to  recommend  is  secondary  and  incidental.  The  Executive  enjoys  this  rigM 
in  common  with  all  other  citizens.  He  participates  in  the  legislation  of  the  country' 
only  through  the  veto  power,  which  a  President  should  exercise  upon  great  qneetroog, 
only  m  rare  instanees,  and  for  ample  cause. 

We  propose  herewith  to  give  the  first  two  paragraphs  of  the  inaugural  addresa, 
which  contains  more  substance  to  the  same  number  of  words  than  any  similar  doea* 
meat  with  which  ws  are  acquainted  ; 

"Citizens  of  the  United  States :  Your  suffrages  having  elevated  me  to  the  office  of 
President  of  the  United  States,  I  have,  in  conformity  with  the  Constitution  of  on* 
country,  taken  the  oath  of  office  prescribed  therein.  I  have  taken  this  oath  without 
mental  reservation,  with  the  determination  to  do  to  the  best  of  my  ability  all  that  rt 
requires  of  me.  The  office  has  come  to  me  nmsought.  I  commence  its  duties  on- 
trammeled.  I  bring  to  it  a  conscientious  desire  and  determination  to  fill  it  to  (n« 
beat  of  my  ability  to  the  satisfaction  of  the  people. 

11  On  all  leading  questions  agitating  the  public  mind  I  will  always  express  my  viewt 
to  Congress,  and  urge  thorn  according  to  my  judgment ;  and  when  I  think  it  adrif&bta 
will  exercise  the  constitutional  privilege  of  interposing  a  veto  to  defeat  measures 
which  I  oppose.  But  all  laws  will  be  faithfully  executed,  whether  they  meet  my  ap 
proval  or  not.  I  shall  on  all  subjects  have  a  policy  to  recommend,  but  none  to  en° 
force  against  the  will  of  the  people.  Laws  are  to  govern  all  alike,  those  opposed  to 
M  well  as  those  who  favor  them.  I  know  no  method  to  secure  the  repeal  of  bad  o? 
obnoxious  laws  so  effective  as  their  stringent  execution." 

In  coming  before  you  for  the  fifst  time  as  Chief  Magistrate  of  this  great  nation  it  H 
with  gratitude  to  the  Giver  of  all  good  for  the  many  benefits  we  enjoy ;  we  are  blessed 
witn  peace  at  home,  and  are  without  entangling  alliances  abroad  to  forebode  trouble  5 
with  a  population  of  forty  millions  of  free  people,  all  speaking  one  language  j  witfa 
facilities  for  every  mortal  to  acquire  an  education  ;  with  institutions  closing  to  non& 
the  avenues  to  fame  or  any  blessing  of  fortune  that  may  be  coveted  :  with  freedom  of 
the  pulpit,  the  press^  and  the  school ;  with  a  revenue  flowing  into  the  national  Treat- 
ory  beyond  the  requirements  of  the  Government. 


Threse  blessings  and  countless  others  are  intrusted  to  your  care  and  mine  for 
keeping,  for  the  brief  oeriod  of  our  tenure  of  office.     In  a  short  time  we  must, 
af  M,  return  to  the  ranks  of  the  people  who  have  conferred  upon  us  our  honors, 
account  to  them  for  our  stewardship.     I  earnestly  desire  that  neither  you  nor  I  may 
be  condemned  by  a  free  and  enlightened  constituency,  nor  by  our  own  eonscieneesi 
On  my  part,  I  promise  a  rigid  adherence  to  the  laws,  and  their  strict  enforcement. 

In  addressing  my  third  annual  message  to  the  law-making  branch  of  the  Gorevt* 
nent,  H  ra  gratifying  to  be  able  to  state  that  during  the  past  year  success  has  gen* 
erally  attended  die  effort  to  execute  all  laws  found  upon  the  statute  books.  Th4 
policy  has  been,  not  to  inquire  into  the  wisdom  of  laws  already  enacted,  but  to  Lean 
tlreir  spirit  and  intent,  and  to  enforce  them  accordingly.  I  submit  these  suggestkm 
with  a  confidence  that  your  combined  action  will  be  wise,  statesmanlike,  and  in  (fet 
bwfc  interests  of  the  whole  country. 


EDUCATION, 

W*  place  first  on  the  list  of  topics  the  subject  of  education,  The  President  alludei 
to  it  on  every  suitable  occasion,  and  it  should  be  observed  that  the  measure,  known  M 
Soar's  bill,  was  first  recommended  by  him  i»  the  sentence,  "  Educational  iriteresta 
may  well  be  served  by  the  grant  of  fcne  proceeds  of  the  sale  of  public  lands  t« 
bitters." 

subjects  of  education  and  agriculture  are  of  great  interest  to  the  success  of  our 
lican  institutions,  happiness,  and  grandeur  as  a  nation. 
:   The  time-honored  and  beneficial  policy  of  setting  apart  certain  sections  of  pubK« 
taind  for  educational  purposes  in  the  new  States  should  be  continued. 

Educational  interest  may  well  be  served  by  the  grant  of  the  proceeds  of  the  sale-  of 
public  lands  to  settlers.  I  do  not  wish  to  be  understood  as  recommending,  in  the 
feast  degree,  a  curtailment  of  what  is  being  done  by  the  General  Government  for  th« 
encouragement  of  education. 

The  enlarged  receipts  of  the  Post  Office  Department  are  an  index  of  the  growth  of 
e-docation  and  of  the  prosperity  of  the  people,  two  elements  highly  conducive  to  tk« 
rigor  and  stability  of  Republics. 

Education,  the  ground-work  of  republican  institutions,  is  encouraged  by  increasing; 
&e  facilities  to  gather  speedy  news  from  all  parts  of  the  country.  The  desire  to  reap 
the  benefit  of  such  improvements  will  stimulate  education. 


THE 

fhe  workingman  is  net  forgotten.  In  every  message  there  is  a  kindly  word  and 
tfoe  utterance  of  a  striking  truth.  "Persons  before  tfeings"  is  the  keynote  of  fcil 
statesmanship  when  he  states  :  "  The  true  prosperity  and  greatness  of  a  nation  is  to 
be  found  in  the  elevation  and  education  of  its  laborers,"  a  sentence  worthy  of  being 
placed  on  our  campaign  banners. 

By  the  late  war  the  industry  of  one-half  of  the  country  had  been  taken  from  the 
control  of  the  capitalists  and  placed  where  all  labor  rightfully  belongs  —  in  the  keepiEg 
of  the  laborer. 

The  freedmen,  under  the  protection  which  they  have  received,  are  making  rapid 
piogress  in  learning,  and  no  complaints  are  heard  of  lack  of  industry  on  their  part 
where  fehey  receive  fair  remuneration  for  their  labor. 

The  opinion  that  the  public  lands  should  be  regarded  chiefly  as  a  source  of  revenue 
is  BO  longer  maintained.  The  rapid  settlement  and  successful  cultivation  of  them  art 
now  justiy  considered  of  more  importance  to  our  well-being  than  is  the  fund  which 
the  sale  of  them  would  produce.  The  remarkable  growth  and  prosperity  of  our  new 
States  and  Territories  attest  the  wisdom  of  the  legislation  which  invites  the  tiller  of 
the  soil  to  secure  a  permanent  home  on  terms  within  the  reach  of  all.  The  pioneer 
*?ho  incurs  the  dangers  and  privations  of  a  frontier  life,  and  thus  aids  in  laying  tb« 
foundation  of  new  commonwealths,  renders  a  signal  service  to  his  country,  and  is  en° 
fitted  to  its  special  favor  and  protection.  These  laws  secure  that  object  and  largely 
promote  the  general  welfare.  They  should,  therefore,  be  cherished  a  a  permaaeat 
feature  of  our  land  system. 

I  renew  my  recommendation  that  the  public  lands  be  regarded  as  a  heritage  to  on? 
children,  to  be  disposed  of  only  as  required  for  occupation  and  to  actual  settlers. 

The  true  prosperity  and  greatness  of  a  nation  is  to  be  found  in  the  elevation  and 
education  of  its  laborers. 

AGRICULTURE. 

In  every  message  our  agricultural  interests  are  favorably  mentioned.  We  extract 
fhe  following  sentences,  which  are  sufficient  to  indicate  his  sentiments  upon  this  im 
portant  subject  : 

I  recommend  to  your  favorable  consideration  the  claims  of  the  Agricultural  Bu- 
»ea«  for  liberal  appropriations.  In  a  country  so  diversified  in  climate  and  soft  as 
oecs,  and  with  a  population  so  largely  dependent  upon  agriculture,  the  benefits  that 
can  be  conferred  by  properly  fostering  this  bureau  are  incalculable, 

Xhe  report  of  the  Commissioner  of  Agriculture  gives  the  operations  of  his  Depsr> 
m&&  for  the  year.  As  agriculture  is  the  ground-work  of  our  prosperity,  too  much 


Importance  cannot  be  attached  to  the  labors  of  this  Department.  Qaietly,  but  eurelfc 
4he  Agricultural  Bureau  is  working  a  great  national  good,  and  if  Kberally  supported 
the  more  widely  its  influence  will  be  extended  and  the  less  dependent  we  shall  bt 
open  the  products  of  foreign  countries. 

COMMEKCSU 

"Fhe  revival  of  our  foreign  commerce,  and  the  increase  of  facilities  in  domeatec 
transportation,  has  commanded  the  President's  earnest  attention,  and  ho  has  been 
teady  to  adopt  all  proper  measures  to  forward  these  important  interests  : 

The  loss  of  our  commerce  ia  the  only  result  of  the  late  rebellion  which  has  ijot 
received  sufficient  attention  from  you.  To  this  subject  I  call  your  earnest  attention. 
The  whole  nation  is  interested  in  securing  cheap  transportation  from  the  acricTli- 
turai  States  of  the  West  to  the  Atlantic  seaboard.  To  the  citiaens  of  those  States  it 
lecures  a  greater  return  for  their  labor  ;  to  the  inhabitants  of  tie  seaboard  it  fcffordi 
cheaper  food ;  to  the  naticn;  an  increafe  in  the  annual  surplus  of  wealth. 

Our  depressed  commerce  is  a  subject  to  which  I  called  your  special  attention  at  tk« 
Iftst  session,  and  suggested  that  we  will  ia  the  future  have  to  look  more  to  the  com*- 
tries  south  of  us,  and  to  China  and  Japan,  for  its  revival.  Our  representatives  to  &t\ 
these  Governments  have  exerted  their  influence  to  encourage  trade  between  tba 
United  States  and  the  countries  to  which  they  are  accredited.  But  the  fact  ezists 
&at  the  carrying  is  done  almost  entirely  in  foreign  bottoms,  and  while  this  KisAe  of 
affaire  exists  we  cannot  control  our  due  share  of  the  commerce  of  the  world. 

The  cos":  of  building  iron  vessels,  the  only  onea  that  can  compete  with  foreign  shipa 
in  the  carrying  trade,  is  so  much  greater  in  tlie  United  States  than  in  foreign  conn- 
aries  that,  without  some  assistance  from  the  Government,  they  cannot  be  successfully 
kailt  here.  There  will  be  several  propositions  laid  before  Congress  in  the  course  Of 
the  present  session  looking  to  a  remedy  for  this  evil.  Even  if  it  should  be  at  some 
cost  to  the  national  Treasury,  I  hope  such  encouragement  will  be  given  as  will  secar* 
ijaarican  shipping  on  the  high  seas  and  American  ship-building  at  home, 

MANUFACTURES— 7HET   MUST  BE   E2?COr&AGEI». 

Erery  citizen  will  recognize  the  importance  of  the  suggestions  made  in  refercact 
w>  oar  manufactures.  The  workingmen  of  America  can  find  no  truer  friend  or  more 
tannest  advocate : 

Our  manufactures  are  increasing  with  wonderful  rapidity  under  the  encouragenwEt 
which  they  now  receive.  With  the  improvements  in  machinery  already  effected,  aiid 
itill  increasing,  causing  machinery  to  take  the  place  of  skilled  labor  to  a  largo  esteatj 
ocr  imports  of  many  articles  must*  fall  off  largely  within  a  few  years.  Fortunately, 
too,  manufactures  are  not  confined  to  a  few  localities,  as  formerly,  and  it  is  to  oe 
hoped  will  become  more  and  more  diffused,  making  the  interest  in  them  equal  in  sJ5 
sections.  They  give  employment  and  support  to  hundreds  of  thousands  of  people  at- 
home,  and  retain  with  us  the  means  which  otherwise  would  be  shipped  abroad.  The 
*rtensioa  of  railroads  ia  Europe  and  the  East  is  bringing  into  competition  with  <y&£ 
agricultural  products  like  products  of  other  countries.  Self-interest,  if  not  self- 
preservation,  therefore,  dictates  caution  against  disturbing  any  industrial  interest  of 
iLe  country. 

TABLET  R2FOSM. 

Since  tlie  Tariff  Reform  question  is  made  a  plank  in  the  opposition  platform  n« 
give  the  President's  views  in  full,  as  announced  in  his  two  last  messages,  and  bespeak 
for  them  a  careful  perusal.  No  man  can  be  more  heartily  in  fiaeor  of  real,  practical 
reform,  and  not  a  mere  buncombe  talk  about  it,  than  President  Grant : 

The  tax  collected  from  the  people  has  been  reduced  more  than  eighty  millioaa  of 
dollars  per  annum.  By  steadiness  in  our  present  course,  there  ia  no  reason  why,  ia 
&  few  short  years,  the  national  tax-gatherer  may  not  disappear  from  the  door  of  tbft 
citizen  almost  entirely.  With  the  revenue  stamp  dispensed  by  postmasters  in  ever)? 
community  ;  a  tax  upon  liquors  of  all  sorts,  and  tobacco  in  all  its  forma  ;  and  by  a 
tnse  adjustment  of  the  tariff,  which  will  put  a  duty  only  upon  those  artidiis 
which  we  could  dispense  with,  kaown  as  luxuries,  and  on  those  which  wo  u  :•? 
more  cf  than  we  produce,  revenue  enough  may  be  raised,  after  a  few  year*  v, 
peace  and  consequent  reduction  of  indebtedness,  to  fulfill  all  our  obligations.  A 


Jnd  tWto>*0    Jasatftr.qsa  ah  * 

Hit  &Kfi  «fo>o3  lace- 


farther  reduction  of  expense*,  in  addition  to  a  reduction  of  f&terest  account 
*c  relied  on  to  make  this  practicable.  Revenue  refonn,  if  it  means  this,  baa  mjr 
kearty  support.  If  it  implies  a  collection  of  all  the  revenue  for  the  support  of  Gov 
ernment,  for  the  payment  of  principal  and  interest  of  the  public  debt,  pensions,  &c;, 
by  directly  taxing  the  people,  then  I  am  against  revenue  reform,  and  confidently  be 
lieve  the  people  are  with  me.  If  it  means  failure  to  provide  the  necessary  meac» 
to  defray  all  the  expenses  of  Government,  and  thereby  repudiation  of  the  public 
debt  and  pensions,  then  I  am  still  more  opposed  to  such  kind  of  revenue  reform* 
Revenue  reform  has  no!  been  defined  by  any  of  its  advocates,  to  my  knowledge  ;  bit 
«eems  to  be  accepted  as  something  which  is  to  supply  every  man's  wants  without  any 
cost  or  effort  on  his  part. 

&.  true  revenue  reform  cannot  be  made  in  a  day  ;  but  must  be  tite  work  of  nations! 
legislation  and  of  time.  As  soon  aa  the  revenue  can  be  dispensed  with,  ail  doty 
should  be  removed  from  coffee,  tea,  and  other  articles  of  universal  use  not  prodace4 
by  ourselves.  The  necessities  of  the  country  compel  us  to  collect  revenue  from  oa» 
imports.  An  army  of  assessors  and  collectors  is  not  a  pleasant  sight  to  the  citizen, 
bat  that  or  a  tariff  for  revenue  is  necessary.  Such  a  tariff,  so  far  as  it  acts  see  an  en* 
couragement  to  home  production,  affords  employment  to  labor  at  living  wages,  ut 
contrast  to  the  pauper  labor  of  the  Old  World,  and  also  in  the  development  of  bonsn 
resources. 

In  readjusting  the  tariff,  I  suggest  that  a  careful  estimate  be  made  of  the  amount  of 
•nrplus  revenue  collected  under  the  present  laws,  after  providing  for  the  current  ex 
penses  of  the  Government,  the  interest  account,  and  a  sinking  fund,  and  that  tkia 
surplus  be  reduced  in  such  a  manner  as  to  afford  the  greatest  relief  to  the  greatest 
Bomber.  There  are  many  articles  not  produced  at  home,  but  which  enter  largely 
iflto  general  consumption  through  articles  which  are  manufactured  at  home,  so.oh  aa 

1*       •  "S        J  •  •  rf>  1"!  I«iil  •1»T»Jt 


that  it  be  made  upon  those  articles  which  can  best  bear  it  without  disturbing  horn* 
or  reducing  the  wages  of  American  labor. 


INDIAN  POMCY. 

Tfcc  American  historian  will  assign  to  Grant  a  high  place  &»  the  aobhor  of  a  aa» 
Indian  policy.  Having  as  a  soldier,  stationed  at  the  outposts,  become  practically  ac  •• 
^sainted  with  these  wards  of  the  nation,  he  alludes  to  the  subject  in  his  inangorsl  and 
in  eveiy  message.  No  one  act  of  his  life  can  be  more  creditable  than  the  interest  b& 
has  taken  in  these  outcasts,  from  whose  good  will  no  personal  OT  political  benaSti 
can  be  reaped.  We  regret  that  we  have  only  space  for  the  following  : 

Tta  policy  pursued  toward  the  Indians  has  resulted  favorably,  so  fa?  as  can  h« 
jadged  from  the  limited  time  during  which  it  has  been  in  operation.  Through  the 
eaertions  of  the  various  societies  of  Christians  to  whom  has  been  intrusted  the  exe- 
catzon  of  the  policy,  and  the  board  of  commissioners  authorised  by  the  law  of  April 
10.  1869,  many  tribes  of  Indians  have  been  induced  to  settle  upon  reservations,  to 
cultivate  the  soil,  to  perform  productive  labor  of  various  kinds,  and  to  partially  ac 
cept  civilization.  They  are  being  cared  for  in  such  a  way,  it  is  hoped,  as  to  induce 
those  still  pursuing  their  old  habits  of  life  to  embrace  the  only  opportunity  wfatoh  it 
left  them  to  avoid  extermination. 

I  recommend  liberal  appropriations  to  carry  out  the  Indian  peace  policy,  not  oaly 
becanae  it  is  huma&e,  Christian  Eke,  and  economical,  but  because  it  13  righi. 

*'  But  because  it  is  right,"  a  very  excellent  sentiment  so  modestly  put  that  it  ol> 
xoost  escapes  the  attention  of  the  casual  reader.  The  close  scrutiny  of  these  message* 
required  to  make  these  extracts  has  forced  the  conviction  upon  us  that  "  because  it 
is  right,"  has  been  the  guiding  star  of  the  President's  career. 

PROTECTION  TO  IMMIGRANTS. 

The  present  Administration  is  the  first  that  has  been  earnestly  disposed  to  prefiecft 
immigrants  and  naturalized  citizens.  As  special  efforts  are  being  made  to  render  t&«> 
German  element  dissatisfied  we  give  ample  extracts.  In  addition  to  the  treaties  B*« 


;  \ 

a  special  agent  was  dispatched  to  examine  the  tubject,  and  the  important 
pleasure  for  the  better  protection  of  immigrants,  sow  penctfhg  in  Congress,  haa  the 
Cordial  support  of  the  Administration . 

The  ratification  of  the  consular  and  naturalization  conventions  with  the 
Hungarian  Empire  have  been  exchanged. 

?The  ratifications  of  the  naturalization  convention  between  Great  Britain  and 
Ifr&ed  States  have  also  been  exchanged  daring  the  recess ;  and  thus,  a  long  etandi 
dispute  between  the  two  Governments  has  been  settled,  in  accordance  with  the  pri 
pies  always  contended  for  by  the  United  States. 

The  unsettled  political  condition  of  other  countries,  less  fortunate  than  our 
fometimes  induces  their  citizens  to  come  to  the  United  States  for  the  sole  purpose 
becoming  naturalized.    Having  secured  this,  they  return  to  their  native  country  ant 
reside  there,  without  disclosing  their  change  of  allegiance.    They  accept  official  post 
twos  of  trust  or  honor,  which  can  only  be  held  by  citizens  of  their  native  land  ;  th«g 
journey  under  passports  describing  them  as  such  citizens ;  and  it  is  only  when  civi 
discord,  after  perhaps  years  of  quiet,  threatens  their  persona  or  their  property,  01 
when  their  native  State  drafts  them  into  its  military  service,  that  the  fact  of  thei 
change  of  allegiance  is  made  known.    I  have  directed  the  diplomatic  and  consulajf 
officers  of  the  United  States  to  scrutinize  carefully  all  such  claims  of  protection! 
The  citizen  of  the  United  States,  whether  native  or  adopted,  who  discharges  his  dutj* 
U>  his  country,  is  entitled  to  its  complete  protection.     While  I  have  a  voice  in  the 
direction  of  affairs,  I  shall  not  consent  to  imperil  this  sacred  right  by  conferring;  if 
Qpon  fictitious  or  fraudulent  claimants.  _ 

On  the  accession  of  the  preseni  Administration,  it  was  found  that  the  minister  fbs 
North  Germany  had  made  propositions  for  the  negotiation  of  a  convention  for  the  pro?* 
teetion  of  emigrant  passengers,  to  which  no  response  had  been  given.  It  was  con 
cluded  that,  to  be  effectual,  all  the  maritime  Powers  engaged  in  the  trade  should  join 
in  euch  a  measure.  Invitations  have  been  extended  to  the  cabinets  of  London,  Farisj 
Florence*  Berlin  j  Brussels,  The  Hague,  Copenhagen,  and  Stockholm,  to  empower 
their  representatives  at  Washington  to  simultaneously  enter  into  negotiations,  and  t* 
conclude  with  the  United  States,  conventions  identical  in  form,  making  uniform  regu 
lations  as  to  the  construction  of  the  parts  of  vessels  to  be  devoted  to  the  use  of  emi 
grant  passengers,  as  to  the  quality  and  quantity  of  food,  as  to  the  medical  treatment 
of  the  sick,  and  as  to  the  rules  to  be  observed  during  the  voyage,  in  order  to  secure 
Ventilation,  to  promote  health,  to  prevent  intrusion,  and  to  protect  the  females,  and 
providing  tor  the  establishment  of  tribunals  in  the  several  countries,  for  enforcing 
iraeh  regulations  by  summary  process. 

The  number  of  immigrants  ignorant  of  our  laws,  habits,  &e;,  coming  into  our 
c*QD&ry  annually  has  become  so  great,  and  the  impositions  practiced  upon  them  BO 
aamerous  and  flagrant,  that  I  suggest  Congressional  action  for  their  protection.  Il 
aeema  to  me  a  fair  subject  of  legislation  by  Congress.  I  cannot  now  state  as  fully  M 
I  desire  the  nature  of  the  complaints  made  by  immigrants  of  the  treatment  they  re 
ceive,  but  will  endeavor  to  do  so  during  the  session  of  Congress,  particularly  if  the 
rolgect  shculd  receive  your  attention. 

PAYMENT  AND'  REFUNDING  OF  TKK  NATIONAL  DEBT. 

It  must  be  within  the  recollection  of  all  reading  men  that,  at  the  time  of  Grant5! 
inauguration,  repudiation  was  openly  advocated,  and  the  wildest  theories  obtained  of 
TOW  to  extinguish  the  public  debt  without  paying  it.  Already  in  his  inaugural  and  in 
every  message  he  insisted  upon  the  prompt  reduction  of  the  debt  with  the  happiest 
results : 

The  vast  resources  of  the  nation,  both  developed  and  undeveloped,  ought  to  make 
tar  credit  the  best  on  earth.  With  a  less  burden  of  taxation  than  the  citizen  haa 
endured  for  six  yeara  past,  the  entire  public  debt  could  be  paid  in  tea  years.  But  it 
is  not  desirable  that  the  people  should  be  taxed  to  pay  it  in  that  time,  Year  by  yeay 
the  ability  to  pay  increases  in  a  rapid  ratio.  But  the  burden  of  interest  ought  to  be 
reduced  an  rapidly  aa  can  be  done  without  the  violation  of  contract.  It  is  believed 
that  all  bonds  which  are  now  due  may  be  replaced  by  bonds  bearing  a  rate  of  interest 
not  exceeding  four  dhd  a  half  per  cent.,  and  as  rapidly  as  the  remainder  becoraw  clue 
that  they  may  be  replaced  in  the  same  way.  Vvith  an  acquiescence  on  the  part  of 
the  whole  people  in  the  national  obligation  to  pay  the  public  debt,  created  a»  &6 


8 

pero«5  of  »w  WaioD  ;  the  pensions  to  our  disabled  noWiers  and  Bailors,  and 
wkiows  and  orphaaas  ;•  an^  io  t&e  changes  to  the  Constitution  which  have  been 
necessary  by  a  great  rebellion,  there  is  no  reason  why  we  should  not  advance  in 
teria)  prp&perity  and  happiness  ,  as  no  other  nation  ever  did,  after  so  protracted  an* 
.devastating  a  war.     The  national  debt  has  been  reduced  to  Hie  extent  of  eighty-  au 
mifficwj  dollars  during  tke  year,  and  by  the  negotiation  of  national  bonds  at  a  Iowa 
rate  of  interest,  the  interest  OB  the  public  debt  has  been  BO  far  diminished  that  noi 
the  sum  to  be  raised  for  the  interest  account  is  nearly  seventeen  million  dollars  lea 
than  on  the  1st  of  Marck,  fr£69.     It  was  highly  desirable  that  this  rapid  diminutHM 
jhouid  take  place,  both  to  streogtheai  the  credit  of  the  country,  aud  to  convince  it 
citizens  of  their  entire  tib-lity  to  meet  every  dollar  of  liability  without  bankrupting 
them.     But  in  view  of  the  accomplishment  of  these  desirable  ends  j  of  the  rapid  de 
yclopment  of  the  resources  of  the  country  ;  its  increasing  ability  to  meet  large 
fnands,  aad  feke  amount  already  paid,  it  is  not  desirable  that,  the  present  resources 
lie  country  should  continue  to  be  taxed  in  order  to  continue  this  rapid  payment, 
|  herefcre  recommend  a  modification  of  both  the  tariff  and  internal  tax  laws.     1 
j  gfuqunend  that  all  taxes  iroro  internal  sources  be  abolished,  except  those  collects 
spirituous,  viaouj^  &nd  malt  liquors,  tobacco  in  it*  various  forms,  fend  froi 


OF  gpEen  FITMENT, 

Among  the  subjects  mpoa  which  the  President  has  given  no  uncertain  BCtiad  is  t|U| 
IT&dual  resumption  cf  specie  payment,  and  he  particularly  regrets  the  deraoralisjp 
&o*  c*3*ed  fey  &  ftacl»*tin£  currency  : 

Among  the  evils  growing  oat  of  tke  rebellion  is  that  of  an  irredeemable  currene 
ft  is  an  evil  which  I  hope  will  receive  your  mo'st  earnest  attention.  It  is  a  duty, 
#f  the  highest  duties  of  Government  j  $o  tecure  to  the  citizen  »  medium  of  exchange  < 
|ied,  unvarying  vaht-e.  This  implies  a  return  to  &  specie  basis,  and  no  substit 
#»r  it  c*n  be'devieed.  It  ahould  be  eommenccfd  now  and  reached  at  the  earliest  m 
iicable  merneat  consistent  with  a  fair  regard  to  the  interests  of  the  debtor  class. 
tamest*/  recommend  to  youj  then,  ^  such  legislation  as  will  insure  a  gradual  return 
jrpecie  payments  and  put  an  immediate  atop  to  fluctuations  in  the  value  of  currei 
&?he  approach  to  &  ape-cie  bams  is  very  gratifying,  but  the  fact  cannot  be  denied 
wie  instability  of  the  values  of  oar  currency  is  prejudicial  to  our  prosperity,  and  ten< 
to  keep  up  prices  to  the  detriment  of  trade.  The  evils  of  a  depreciated  and  fJuoti 
Siting  currency  are  ao  great  that  aow,  when  the  premium  &n  gold  has  fallen  BO  mnoh| 
\t  would  eeern  that  the  time  has  arrived  when,  by  wise  and  prudent  legislation.  Comf 
^rcBe  should  look  to  a  policy  which  would  place  our  currency  at  par  with  gold  at  n£ 
Distant  day  Continued  fluctuations  in  the  value  of  gold,  aa  compared  with  the  na- 
iional  currency,  has  a  uioet.  damaging  effect  upon  the  increase  and  development  of 
the  country  it\  keeping  ap  prices  of  all  articles  necessary  in  every-day  life.  t.t  fostet^ 
fy  spirit  of  gambling  prejudicial  alike  to  national  morals  and  t.h«  national  finances, 
If  tke  question  can  b^  ncuet,,  an  to  how  to  give  a  fixed  value  to  cur  currency,  thai  valu0 
constantly  and  uniform!  j  approaching  par  with  specie,  a  very  desirable  object  will  be 
gained. 

t'.om.   RKLAT10N3   WITH   GXBMANT. 

Sinoe  special  efPort*1  ha-v^  been  made  to  create  the  impression  that  the  Adsaiaiistti,' 
«ion  wa«  hostile  to  G-ermaoy  in  the  late  war,  and  did  not  observe  a  friendly  neutraEty, 
<»e  insert  the  following  oax  ration  of  facts,  which  prove  that  Germany  reposed  in  ti«i 
Dni'.ed  Stales  the  greatest  confidence  which  one  nation  e&c  repose  in  another—  tl** 
protection  of  ita  eiti2ejia  : 

Soon  after  the  existing  war  broke  out  in  Europe  the  protection  of  the  United  States 
minister  in  Paris  was*  invoked  in  favor  of  North  Germans  domiciled  in  French  terri 
tory  .  In«tructioii8  were  issued  to  grant  the  protection.  This  has  been  followed  by 
an  extension  of  American  protection  to  citizens  of  Saxony,  Hesse,  and  Saxe-Coburg? 
(3-otha,  Colombia,  Portugal,  Uruguay,  the  Dominican  Republic,  Ecuador,  Chiti. 
Paraguay,  and  Vea-a/ueU,  ii>  Paris.  The  charge  was  an  onerous  one,  requiring  con* 
etant  and  severe  i«.bw.  as  wujjj  as  the  exercise  Of  patience,  prudaace,  and  good  yxdg* 
ment  It  has  been  performed  to  the  entire  satisfaction  of  this  Governrae.nt,  aad,  as  I 
am  offiaialjy  inf«rxned«  eq.u^tiiy  80  to  the  satisfaction  of  the  Government  of 
Germany. 


9 

resumption  of  diplomatic  relations  between  France  and  Germany  have  enabled 
RS  to  give  directions  for  the  withdrawal  of  the  prelection  extended  to  Germans  ia 
fcaace  by  the  diplomatic  and  consular  representatives  of  the  United  States  in  that 
Kxratry.  It  is  just  to  add  that  the  delicate  duty  of  this  protection  has  been  performed 
>y  the  minister  and  the  consul  general  at  Paris,  and  the  rarious  consuls  in  Francrf 
mder  the  supervision  of  the  latter,  with  great  kindness  as  well  as  with  prudence  and 
act.  Their  course  has  received  the  commendation  of  the  German  Government,  and 
las  wounded  ao  susceptibility  of  the  French. 

Th«  Government  of  the  Emperor  of  Germany  continues  to  manifest  a  friendly  feel- 
Jag  toward  the  United  Statas,  and  a  desire  to  harmonize  with  the  moderate  and  just 
policy  which  this  Governmentmaintains  in  its  relations  witb  Asiatic  Powers,  aa  well 
£,8  with  the  South  American  Republics,  I  have  given  assurances  that  the  friendly 
fee&aga  of  that  Government  are  fully  shared  by  the  United  States. 

OUR  FOREIGN  POLICY. 

Jfo  aid  in  the  establishment  of  free  Governments  in  every  rtart  of  the  globe  by  oap 
^sample  and  moral  influence,  without  meddlesome  interference,  is  laid  down  &s  th» 
feroper  conduct  to  be  pursued  : 

^  As  the  United  States  is  the  freest  ef  all  nations,  so,  too,  its  people  sympathize  witk 
peoples  struggling  for  libertv  and  self-government.     But  while  so  sympathizing! 
is  due  to  our  honor  that  we  should  abstain  from  enforcing  our  views  upon  unwillinV 
s,  and  from  taking  an  interested  part,  without  invitation,  in  the  quarrels 
different  nations  or  between  Governments  and  their  subjects. 


feaoh  other. 

As  soon  as  I  learned  that  a  Republic  had  been  proclaimed  at  Paris,  and  that 
feeople  of  France  had  acquiesced  in  the  change,  the  minister  of  the  United  States  wa 
directed  by  telegraph  to  recognize  it,  and  to  tender  my  congratulations  and  thos 
pf  the  people  of  the  United  States.  The  re-establishment  in  France  of  a  gvsteaa  c 
jgoverninent  disconnected  with  the  dynastic  traditions  of  Buropa  appeared  to  be 
proper  subject  for  the  felicitations  of  Americans,  Should  the  present  struggle  resu, 
m  attaching  the  hearts  of  the  French  to  our  simpler  forma  of  representative  govern 
meat,  it  will  be  a  subject  of  still  further  satisfaction  to  oar  people.  While  we  mak 
ao  effort  to  impose  our  institutions  upon  the  inhabitants  of  other  countries,  andwhil 
we  adhere  to  our  traditional  neutrality  in  civil  contests  elsewhere,  we  cannot  be  is 
different  to  the  spread  of  American  political  ideas  in  a  great  and  highly  civilizet 
country  like  France. 

THE  MONROE  DOCTSINS. 

The  Monroe  Doctrine  ia  fully  sustained.  European  colonies  upon  the  America^ 
continent  are  no  longer  considered  transferable  from  one  Power  to  another,  and  theil 
independence  is  insisted  upon  whenever  the  colonial  Delations  cease  : 

The  tim«  is  not  probably  far  distant  when,  in  the  natural  course  of  events,  tht 
European  political  connection  with  this  continent  will  cease.  Our  policy  should  ba 
shaped,  in  view  of  this  probability,  60  aa  to  ally  the  commercial  interests  of  the 
Spanisn  American  States  more  closely  to  our  own,  and  thus  give  the  United  States 
afi  the  pre-eminence  and  aH  the  advantage  which  Mr.  Monroe,  Mr.  Adams,  aud  Mr, 
Clay  contemplated  when  they  proposed  to  join  in  the  Congress  of  Panama. 

/These  colonial  dependencies  are  no  longer  regarded  as  subject  to  transfer  froia 
Ofre  European  Power  to  another.  When  the  present  relation  of  colonies  ceases,  they 
are  t»  become  independent  Powers,  exercising  the  right  of  choice  and  of  seif-contrtl 
in  the  determination  of  their  future  condition  and  relation  with  other  Powers. 

THE  ULND  GRANT  POLICY. 

The  land  grant  policy  is  fully  discussed,  and  the  principle  is  insisted  upon,  that  the 
nation  has  gone  far  enough,  if  not  too  far,  in  this  direction,  and  that  hereafter  the 
national  domain  must  be  preserved  for  the  settler  : 

The  policy  of  aiding  the  States  in  building  works  of  internal  improvement  was  in 
augurated  more  than  forty  years  since  ia  the  grants  to  Indiana  and  Illinois,  to  aid 


10 

those  States  in  opening  eaiials  to  connect  the  waters  of  Che  Wabash  witk  those  of  Lakt 
Sslrie,  and  the  waters  of  the  Illinois  with  those  of  Lake  Michigan.  It  was  followed, 
with  some  modifications,  in  the  grant  to  Illinois  of  alternate  sections  of  public  land 
within  certain  limits  of  the  Illinois  Central  Railway,  Fourteen  States  and  soodry 
i  corporations  have  received  similar  subsidies  in  connection  with  railways  completed 
i  >r  IB  process  of  construction.  As  the  reserved  sections  are  rated  at  the  double  mini- 
i  mum,  the  sale  of  them  at  the  enhanced  price  has  thus,  in  many  instances,  indemnified^ 
ihe  Treasury  for  the  granted  lands.  The  construction  of  some  of  these  thoroughfare^ 
,  1&&8  undoubtedly  given  a  vigorous  impulse  to  the  development  of  our  resources  andths  : 
I  lettlement  of  the  more  distant  portions  of  the  country.  It  may,  however,  be  well  inj  * 
i  listed  that  much  of  our  legislation  ia  this  regard  has  been  characterized  by  rndfa* 
Criminate  and  profuse  liberality.  The  United  States  should  not  loan  their  credit  ia 
aid  of  any  enterprise  undertaken  by  States  or  corporations,  nor  grant  lands  in  any 
tas'jsncc,  unless  the  projected  work  is  of  acknowledged  national  importance. 

AMirfisrr  AND  RECONSTRUCTION. 

Upoa  the  question  of  amnesiy  and  reconstruction,  the  President  ia  as  liberal  ar, 
$he  utmost  self-styled  "  Liberal  Republican"  could  desire.  This  exposes  the  filial; 
low  pretext  of  the  disorganizes,  who  pretend  to  be  dissatisfied  with  the  President^ 
course  upon  this  question : 

More  than  six  years  having  elapsed  since  the  last  hostile  gnn  w&a  fired  betweee. 
tlie  armies  then  arrayed  against  each  other — one  for  the  perpetuation,  the  other  fofr 
Ihe  destructiopj  of  the  Union — it  may  well  be  considered  whether  it  is  not  now  tima 
fchfct  the  disabilities  imposed  by  the  fourteenth  amendment  should  be  removed.  Thau 
amendment  does  not  exclude  the  ballot,  but  only  imposes  the  disability  to  h»K| 
offices  upon  certain  classes.  When  the  purity  of  the  ballot  is  secure,  majorities  ar<^ 
«nre  to  elect  officers  reflecting  the  views  of  the  majority.  I  do  not  see  the  advantage 
or  propriety  of  excluding  men  from  office  merely  because  they  were,  'before  th$ 
rebellion,  of  standing  and  character  sufficient  to  be  elected  to  positions  requiring 
Shem  to  take  oaths  to  support  the  Constitution,  and  admitting  to  eligibility  tLoss 
entertaining  precisely  the  same  views,  but  of  less  standing  in  their  communities.  If 
may  be  said  that  the  former  violated  en  oath,  while  the  latter  did  not.  The  latter 
did  not  have  it  in  their  power  to  do  so.  If  they  had  taken  this  oath  it  cannot  ba 
doubted  they  would  have  broken  it  as  did  the  former  class.  If  there  are  any  great 
criminals,  distinguished  above  all  others  for  the  part  they  took  in  opposition  to  the 
Government,  they  might,  in  the  judgment  of  Congress,  be  excluded  from  each  as 
amnesty.  This  subject  is  submitted  for  your  careful  consideration. 

The  condition  of  the  Southern  States  is,  unhappily,  not  such  as  all  true  patriotic 
citizens  would  like  to  see.  Social  ostracism  for  opinion's  sake,  personal  violence 
or  threats  towards  persons  entertaining  political  viewa  opposed  to  those  entertained 
fey  the  majority  of  the  old  citizens,  ^prevent  ^immigration  and  the  flow  of  much- 
meeded  capital  into  the  States  lately  in  rebellion.  It  will  be  a  happy  condition  of 
the  country  when  the  old  citizens  of  these  States  will  take  an  interest  in  public 
affaira,  promulgate  ideas  honestly  entertained,  vote  for  men  representing  their  view«s 
and  tolerate  the  same  freedom  of  expression  and  ballot  in  those  entertaining  difeenf 
political  convictions. 

POLYGAMY— ITS   ABROGATION   D.SMANDU>. 

The  President  insists  upon  the  speedy  extinction  of  polygamy  in  Utah,  and  espos«& 
in  a  few  words  the  shallow  pretext  of  the  Mormons  in  consideriag  it  a  religious  rite  * 

In  Utah  there  still  remains  a  remnant  of  barbarism,  repugnant  to  civilization,  to 
decency,  and  to  the  laws  of  the  United  States.  Territorial  officers,  however,  haw 
been  found  who  are  willing  to  perform  their  duty  in  a  spirit  of  equity  and  with  a  dut 
sense  of  the  necessity  of  sustaining  the  majesty  of  the  law.  Neither  polygamy  nor 
any  other  violation  of  existing  statutes  will  be  permitted  within  the  territory  of  tha 
United  States.  It  is  not  with  the  religion  of  the  self-styled  Saints  that  we  are  now 
dealing,  but  with  their  practices.  They  will  be  protected  in  the  worship  of  God,  ac 
cording  to  the  dictates  of  their  consciences,  but  they  will  not  be  permitted  to  violafct 
fjhe  laws  under  the  cloak  of  religion  - 


II 


A  NATIONAL  POSTAL  TBLEOHAPB  SYSTEM. 

Hie  abolition  of  tha  telegraph  monopoly,  which  has  nte<fc  t&e  telegraph, 
<mgbi  to  be  as  freely  traed  as  the  mail?,  inaccessible  to  the  general  public,  by  ita  ex. 
ttfeftaot  prices,  is  earnestly  recommended : 

The  suggestion  of  the  Postmaster  General  for  improvements  in  the  Department 
presided  over  by  ham  are  earnestly  recommended  to  your  special  attention.  Espe 
cially  do  I  recommend  favorable  consideration  for  the  plan  for  aniting  the  telegraphic 
eystem  of  the  United  States  with  the  postal  system,  it  is  believed  by  such  a  COUMO 
the  cost  of  telegraphing  could  be  much  reduced,  and  the  service  aa  well,  if  not  better, 
rendered.  It  would  secure  the  further  advantage  of  extending  the  telegraph  through 
portions  of  the  country  where  private  enterprise  will  not  construct  it.  Commerce, 
trade,  and,  above  all,  the  efforts  to  bring  a  people  widely  separated  into  a  community 
of  interest,  are  always  benefited  by  a  rapid  intercommunication.  Education,  the 
ground-work  of  republican  institutions,  is  encouraged  by  increasing  the  facilities  to 
gather  speedy  news  from  all  parts  of  the  country.  Th©  desire  to  reap  the  benefit  of 
such  improvements  will  stimulate  education. 

CIVIL  SERVICE    REFORM. 

We  insert  copious  extracts  from  the  President's  message  upon  this  subject,  not  only 
jm  account  of  its  intrinsic  merits,  but  because  the  impression  ia  held  out  that  the 
President  is  not  so  earnestly  in  favor  of  "all  practical  reforms,"  as  he  professes  to  be. 
No  one  can  read  these  paragraphs,  with  a  desire  to  discern  the  truth,  but  must  como 
to  the  conclusion  that  the  President  has  thought  earnestly  and  frequently  upon  this 
therae.  No  man  can  go  beyond  him  in  this  respect,  for  all  his  acts  prove  that  if  hs 
desires  anything  more  than  all  others  it  is  to  render  his  administration  a  success  b$ 
$he  establishment  of  a  model  civil  service.  la  his  three  messages  the  same  senti- 
meets  are  repeated  with  aa  earnestness  that  leaves  no  room  for  doubt.  Only  those 
wko  are  so  blinded  by  disappointment  and  prejudice  that  they  accuse  him  of  dishon 
esty  and  deception,  can  for  a  moment  believe  that  he  will  not  give  any  practical 
«efaeme  of  civil  service  reform  a  fair  trial : 

The  subject  of  compensation  to  the  Heads  of  Bureaus  and  officials  holding  positions 
©f  responsibility,  and  requiring  ability  and  character  to  811  properly,  is  one  to  whicSi 
your  attention  ia  invited.  But  few  of  the  officials  receive  a  compensation  equal  to* 
tile  respectable  support  of  a  family,  while  their  duties  are  such  as  to  involve  millions 
«f  interest.  In  private  life  services  demand  compensation  equal  to  the  services  rea- 
dered.  A  wise  economy  weuld  dictate  the  same  rule  in  the  Government  service 
The  present  laws  for  collecting,  revenue  pay  collectors  oi'  customs  small  salaries,  bafe 
provide  for  moieties  (Hhares  in  all  seizures)  which  at  principal  ports  of  entry  paiS 
ticnlarly,  raise  the  compensation  of  those  officials  to  a  large  sum.  It  has  alwayd 
seemed  to  me  as  if  tliis  system  must,  at  times,  work  perniciously.  It  holds  out  aa 
inducement  to  dishonest  mea,  should  such  get  possession  of  those  offices,  to  be  las 
is  their  scrutiny  ot  goods  entered  to  enable  thera  finally  to  make  large  seizures* 
You*  attention  is  respectfully  invited  to  this  subject. 

There  has  been  no  hesitation  in  changing  officials  ia  order  to  seoore  an  efficient 
execution  of  the  laws,  sometimes,  too,  when,  in  a  mere  party  view,  undesirable  po 
litical  results  were  likely  to  follow  ;  nor  any  hesitation  m  sustaining  efficient  officials 
tgainst  remonotrancea  wholly  political. 

Always  favoring  practical  reforms,  I  respectfully  eaH  your  attention  to  one  abuaa 
of  long  standing^  which  I  would  like  to  see  remedied  by  this  Congress.  It  is  a  reform 
In  the  civil  oervice  of  the  country.  I  would  have  it  go  beyoad  the  mere  fixing  of  the 
tenure  of  office  of  clerks  and  employ eea,  who  do  not  require  "the  advice  and  consent 
of  the  Senate1 '  to  make  their  appointments  complete.  I  would  have  it  govern,  not 
the  tenure,  but  the  manner  of  soaking  all  appointments.  There  is  no  duty  which  so 
'jfinoh  embarrasses  die  Executive  and  Heads  of  De^artmeefei  aa  that  of  appointments  f 
nor  is  there  any  such  Arduous  and  thankless  labor  imposed  on  Senators  and  Repre- 
iwnfcktives  as  that  of  fodfag  ptacea  for  coftstiteenta.  Ttw  present  system  does  not 
f 


11 

teciire  the  best  men,  and  often  not  fit  men,  for  public  place.  Tha  eiavatua  anjK 
purification  of  the  civil  service  of  the  Government  will  be  hailed  with  sppeoTft*  by 
the  whole  people  of  the  United  States, 

Pt  has  been  the  aim  of  the  Administration  to  enforce  honesty  and  efficieacy  in  all 
public  offices.  Every  public  servant  who  has  violated  the  trust  placed  in  Mm  has 
J>een  proceeded  against  with  all  the  rigor  of  the  law.  If  bad  men  have  secured  placet 
it  has  been  the  fault  of  the  system  established  by  law  and  custom  for  making  appoint 
ments,  or  tiie  fault  of  those  who  recommend  for  Government  positions  persons  not 
sufficiently  well  known  to  them  personally,  or  who  give  letters  indorsing  the  charac 
ters  of  office-seekers  without  a  proper  sense  of  the  grave  respoasibility  which  Bach  a 
course  devolves  upon  them.  A  civil  service  reform  which  can  correct  this  abase  la 
much  desired.  In  mercantile  pursuit,  the  business- man  who  gives  a  letter  of  recom 
mendation  to  a  friend,  to  enable  him  to  obtain  credit  from  a  stranger,  is  regarded  aa 
morally  responsible  for  the  integrity  of  his  friend,  and  his  ability  to  meet  his  obliga 
tions.  A  reformatory  lav?  which  would  enforce  this  principle  against  all  indoreera  of 
persons  for  public  place  would  insure  great  caution  in  making  recommendations.  A 
salutary  lesson  has  been  taught  the  careless  and  the  dishonest  public  servant  in  ths 
great  number  of  prosecutions  and  convictions  of  the  last  two  years. 

It  is  gratifying  to  notice  the  favorable  change  which  is  taking  place  throughout  the 
eeuutry  in  bringing  to  punishment  those  who  hare  proven  recreant  to  the  trusts  coa- 
iaded  to  them,  and  in  elevating  to  public  office  none  but  those  who  possess  the  confi 
dence  of  the  honest  and  the  virtuous,  who,  it  will  always  be  fomiS,  comprise  the 
majority  of  the  community  in  which  they  live. 

THE  EXECUTIVE    POLICY. 

We  now  come  to  his  definition  of  the  real  scope  of  Executive  policy.  TMi 
"  summing  up"  of  Presidential  duties  and  responsibilities  is  so  excellent  that  com* 
ments  are  superfluous : 

On  my  assuming  the  responsible  duties  of  Chief  Magistrate  of  the  United  States, 
it  was  with  the  conviction  that  three  things  were  essential  to  its  peace,  prosperity, 
and  fullest  development.  First  among  these,  is  Etrict  integrity  in  fulfilling  &.U  OKT 
obligations.  Second,  to  secure  protection  to  the  person  and  property  of  the  citizen 
of  the  United  States,  in  each  and  every  portion  of  our  common  country,  wherever 
lie  may  choose  to  move,  without  reference  to  original  nationality,  religion,  color,  or 
politics,  demanding  of  him  only  obedience  to  the  laws  and  proper  respect  for  the 
rights  of  others.  Third,  union  of  all  the  States— with  equal  righte—ind  est?ueS&I» 
by  any  constitutional  means. 

In  conclusion,  I  would  sum  up  the  policy  of  the  Administration  to  be  a  thorough 
enforcement  of  every  law  ;  a  faithful  collection  of  every  tax  provided^for  j  economy  in 
the  disbursement  of  the  same ;  a  prompt  payment  of  every  debt  of  tlw  iiatioa  ;  a  re 
daction  of  taxes  as  rapidly  as  the  requirements  of  the  country  will  admit ;  reductions 
of  taxation  and  tariff,  to  be  EO  arranged  as  to  afford  the  greatest  relief  to  the  greatest 
Dumber ;  honest  and'fair  dealings  with  all  other  peoples,  to  the  end  that  war,  with 
all  its  blighting  consequences,  may  ba  avoided,  but  without  surrendering  any  right, 
or  obligation  due  to  us ;  a  reform  in  the  treatment  of  Indians,  and  in  the  whole  cwffi 
aervice°of  the  country  ;  and,  finally,  in  securing  a  pure,  untrainmeled  ballot,  ^he?« 
every  man  entitled  to  cast  a  vote  may  do  so,  just  once,  a*  each  election, ^witsus** 
fear,  c»  molestation,  or  proscription  on  account  of  his  political  faith,  aatemty,  OF 
color. 

The  President  has  now  epokea  for  himself,  and  wa  submit  the  easa  withoat  com- 
Bieat  to  the  discriminating  judgment  of  an  enKghtaned  and  conscientious  peopSt,  wit$ 
ghe  sincere  conviction  that  the  more  extensively  this  record  is  oirculatsdg 
commented  npojit  &«  larg^wil!  be  .hi«  •majo^tj.in  November  next. 


1 


